To me, I feel this is the last weekend of summer. I know that’s silly, and more often than not, the warm summer weather continues long into September. But the last bank holiday weekend before Christmas is always bittersweet. From here, I feel the progression of autumn, and the closure of the chapter on Summer. This year, summer has been great, and I’ve got in some great rides.

Today, I got into the Derbyshire Dales and crossed into North Staffordshire. A straightforward trip along the High Peak Trail and down the full length of the Tissington Trail was just what was needed, and once at Ashbourne, I doubled back and headed back to Ilam via Mapleton and Blore. From there, up the Manifold Vally to Calton and over the Weaver hills before heading back. A great ride.

Ashbourne to Ilam via Blore looks nice and easy on the map. It’s grinding, with a brilliant, scary descent into Ilam. Must do that again.

For more of this sort of thing, please check out my 365daysofbiking journal…

Wet feet at Ilam

Mere Hill. A bastard of a climb.

Iron Tors, leading to Milldale

Throwley Hall – some renovation required

Dalehead – such a beautiful day

That’s Matlock Bath down there

Harboro Rocks: a very dramatic landscape

Minninglow Great Barrow

Passing the skills on to the kids. I bet the lad will never forget this.

Cromford cricket ground

Hoe Grange reaping the wild wind – certainly no shortage of that here

Brassington anti-aircraft post, a remarkable survivor from the war.

Wolfscote

The Weaver Hills: I can see Cannock Chase from here

Clibing out of the Manifold Valley at Rushley

Dalehead

Biggin Dale

The High Peak Trail starts with a punishing 250m climb from Cromford Wharf

Willersley Castle and beyond

Nothing up here but sheep